Possible applications for gestures while driving

Zöller, Ilka; Bechmann, Roman; Abendroth, Bettina · 2018 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1007/s41104-017-0023-7

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Summary

This study investigates the feasibility of using hand gestures as an input modality for controlling in-car devices, aiming to simplify human-machine interaction and reduce driver distraction. As vehicle functionality increases, optimizing sensory channels becomes critical for user convenience. The research specifically evaluates whether the visual input channel can be reasonably utilized for in-car operation by analyzing body motions within a constrained seating environment. The methodology employed "Wizard of Oz" studies conducted in a car mockup situated within a usability lab. This setup allowed researchers to account for the influence of limited execution space and seating posture on gesture movements. Participants performed tasks involving communication, comfort, and information devices, such as selecting radio stations or operating windshield wipers. The experimental design separated the roles of a supervisor, who read tasks to the subject, and a "wizard," who interpreted gestures and controlled the multimedia interface from a remote control room. This dissociation prevented mental strain on the interpreter and ensured participant comfort. The test sequence included an exploration phase to capture spontaneous gestures, a training phase using haptic inputs to ensure system comprehension, a scenario phase where subjects used gestures exclusively or optionally, and a final interview to gather subjective impressions. Videotaped data were analyzed using a detailed taxonomy that classified gestures by properties such as direction, velocity, execution space, and spontaneity. The execution space for right-hand gestures was segmented into 24 sectors using a CAD man model to inform future automatic recognition systems and interior design. The results identified a consistent gesture vocabulary with high inter-individual and intra-individual conformity across various applications. Gestures were categorized into referencing, kinemimic, symbolic, and mimic types, with subjects predominantly using dynamic movements. Grouping goal-equivalent gesture commands further increased conformity, suggesting that intuitive controlling is achievable. While the study noted that unoptimized gesture control could lead to visual distraction, it highlighted that adaptive help systems could mitigate initial user problems. Although this specific study used a stationary vehicle and thus could not fully quantify distraction effects, it referenced concurrent research indicating that gestural input significantly reduces distraction compared to haptic input. The study concludes that gestural user input is a promising approach for optimizing automotive human-machine interfaces, provided that graphical user interfaces and interior designs are appropriately adapted. The findings support the development of a consistent, intuitive gesture vocabulary that leverages natural human movements, thereby enhancing user convenience and potentially lowering cognitive load during vehicle operation.

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Topics

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• control interfaces
• voice interaction
• manual
• haptic feedback
• visual manual
• steering pattern

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• Applied Guidance: design guidelines
• Methodological Resource: measurement protocol
• Theoretical Contribution: conceptual framework